Planner

This position performs a variety of professional and technical level planning work on difficult, complex and/or sensitive planning projects and programs involving the administration, data gathering, research analysis, prepares and develops technical reports, special studies, draft regulations, grants and related documents and field work in support of the Department program for the City of Garden City, the City of Holcomb, and Finney County. This position will be involved in all facets of city planning, including land use, zoning, transportation, neighborhood, and public facility planning, plans, reports, maps, and presentation graphics for long range and current planning projects. It will also include supervision as assigned by the Director.

To fill this position, the City will consider hiring any one of the three options listed below, based on a candidate's qualifications:

Planning Technician: Work experience is preferred but not required.
Planner I: Two (2) years of college education or one (1) year work experience.
Planner II: Four (4) years of college education and one (1) year work experience or five (5) years of combined education and experience, including at least one (1) year of work experience. 

• Conducts studies and surveys to collect data for changes or modifications to the City’s Comprehensive Plan.  Prepares reports and charts in support of the data for the Director for presentation to the Area Planning Commission and the public.
• Assists in administering zoning ordinances/regulations, writes staff reports on re-zoning and conditional use requests, conducts site reviews and evaluations of proposed projects, interprets zoning regulations, meets with the public, conducts research on zoning ordinance/regulation changes. May supervise code compliance personnel under the direction of the Director.
• Administers sign code regulations; meets with business owners and sign company officials to review sign code regulations; prepares zoning and amendment cases as well as variance and appeal cases at the direction of the Director for submission to the Area Planning Commission and various Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Administers the historic resources preservation plan as adopted by the City, writes staff reports and prepares supporting documents as needed, conducts site reviews for proposed projects.
• Prepares and writes grant applications and administers parts of the City’s Community Development Program, block grants and other state or federally funded programs.
• May serve as a staff representative to special committees, attends various state and federal workshops for training on modifications and changes in state and federal laws.
• Shall possess the ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, elected officials and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of urban and rural planning principles and practices of land use.  Good knowledge of research methods and data evaluation.  Solid base skill in oral and written communications, public relations, dispute resolution techniques.  Ability to prepare and present clear and concise reports to commissions, boards, city officials and the public.  Ability to use modern office equipment to include computers and software programs.   Base knowledge with some working ability in GIS.  Have some ability to do cartography/drafting, via computer or by hand.
 
Education, Certification and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, or related field is preferred. Experience in community or urban planning is a plus; or any combination of experience, education or training that may produce the desired qualifications. Must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Salary : $25 - $37